THERE’S not much Joel Mackie hasn’t achieved in 149 matches with Albury.
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Premierships, Morris medals and club best and fairests are synonymous with Mackie’s eight-year tenure at the Albury Sportsground but the tough nut will add another honour to his sparkling career when he plays his 150th match for the Tigers at J.C. Lowe Oval on Saturday.
Mackie could have shared his 150th with Chris Hyde last weekend but a one-match suspension incurred against Wodonga Raiders in round 15 delayed the milestone.
“I was a naughty boy,” he laughed.
Given Yarrawonga has had a front-row seat to many of Mackie’s best performances over the journey, it seems fitting the milestone will come against the Pigeons.
“Over those years, we’ve built that rivalry up and I always love playing against Yarra so if you look at it that way, it’s pretty good,” the 29-year-old said.
“You sign on eight years ago and you don’t think it’s going to turn into this but it just says a lot about the club itself, the people involved and the culture that’s been created over the years.
“It’s hard to contemplate walking away, it’s a pretty special place, and that’s why you feel privileged to have done what we’ve done over the last eight years.”
By Mackie’s own admission, 2016 hasn’t been his best season but the tough nut said his body was starting to feel fresh and would benefit from the week off ahead of a second semi-final showdown with the Pigeons or Lavington.
“Early on wasn’t too bad but then a few old niggles have flared up a bit and it’s been more about management, just trying to get right,” he said.
“But like anyone, you get closer to finals and you start to feel better with a few more blokes out on the track. The body is starting to feel better now.”
Daniel Cross, Aisake O’hAilpin and Joel O’Connell come into the Tigers’ side for Mackie’s milestone match.
Mackie said it was a huge thrill to play alongside Cross and admitted the Tigers found an extra gear when the former Western Bulldog was in their side. Albury’s average winning margin in Cross’ seven matches this season is 118 points.
“It’s pretty special having someone who’s played 250 AFL games and is one of the favourite sons of Albury,” he said.
“It says a lot about him to come back at this stage of his career when he didn’t have to.
“I suppose everyone wants to put their best foot forward and impress him.
“If you look back at the games this year, we’ve probably played a bit better with Daniel in the team.”